Purple Cuprian Tourmaline: The Whopper with Copper

Purple cuprian tourmaline is one of the latest additions to the colorful family of tourmaline gemstones. The fantastic color of the purple cuprian tourmaline has the gem world buzzing. Truly a magnificent gemstone, purple cuprian tourmaline is sure to be on every gemstone collector’s wish list.

Purple cuprian tourmaline was very recently discovered in Mozambique, near the region of Alto Ligonha. The tourmaline family of gemstones consists of virtually every color of the rainbow, but the color that the purple cuprian tourmaline gemstone displays had not been seen yet in that family. Rubellite tourmaline has shades of violet, but the purple cuprian tourmaline has a purple hue that is as fine as an amethyst, if not better.

The term “cuprian” refers to the copper content within the tourmaline gemstone. The now famous paraiba tourmaline gemstones from Brazil also contain copper and are therefore also known as cuprian gemstones. The copper content of paraiba tourmaline gemstones, and now purple cuprian tourmaline gemstones, is providing the world with incredible beauty. From the clear, Caribbean blue of paraiba tourmaline, sometimes with blue-green color tones or totally clear green, to the vivid color the purple cuprian tourmaline gemstone displays, copper has helped produce beauty that is high quality.

Purple cuprian tourmaline, like its other tourmaline family members, has a hardness that rates between 7 and 7.5 on the Mohs scale.

All cuprian tourmaline gemstones are currently given the name “paraiba tourmaline,” regardless where the cuprian tourmaline gemstones have been discovered. Therefore, purple cuprian tourmaline gemstones are also known as new paraiba.

Prices per carat for purple cuprian tourmaline can be quite high, and large cuprian tourmaline gemstones (over 20 carats) have been discovered.

If you get a chance, add purple cuprian tourmaline gemstones to your collection. You won’t be disappointed with the spectacular beauty these incredible gems possess.

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